Yeah, I think the city underestimated its hand. They treated Bennett just like they did Schultz and the past owners, who were from Seattle and obviously had a vested interest.

Well, in comes Bennett from OKC and I guess the city thought Bennett would be IMPRESSED with Seattle, so much so, that the city didn't take him seriously or thought he'd eventually give up I guess.

I dont get it either, I mean - Seattle could have made a HUGE deal. I mean, they could have sat down at the table, and either got the NBA/Bennett to assist in building a state of the art facility in the SODO district (near the other two stadiums) OR the city could have let the franchise go in exchange for retiring the name/colours/history and a promise to ressurrect the team (through a relocation of a troubled team) once an arena got built.

but instead, Seattle burned its bridges with the NBA, Bennett, and probably any/every investor outside of the original Schultz minority group - who would otherwise jump at the chance to have a team here. The city/state played hardball and now Bennett has the upper hand.

The weird thing is, it appears that the city is trying to appease the NBA based on the Seattle BRAND itself; by even talking about a remodel of Key Arena. Bennett, Stern, and other NBA officials have said time and time again that Key Arena (aka the original yet remodeled Seattle Coluseum) is OUT ... yet the city NOW wants to do the remodel that Schultz proposed. What is the city thinking? that a new remodel of Key Arena would all of sudden 'convince' the NBA board that the market here can succeed?

Why didn't the city discuss this when Schultz was trying to talk to them two years ago? Why didn't the city do what it took then to make a difference? Why didn't the city do anything until Aubrey opened his mouth in September 2007????

And why is the city doing this - 'we'll choke Bennett and the NBA in lawsuits' crap when it will ONLY ensure the team and the NBA will be gone; either next year, 2009 or by the 2010 season???

of special note that you guys may not have noticed, King County also has plans for Key Arena and the Seattle Centre (surrounding fairgrounds area) - it hopes to turn it into an urban housing village.

I think that is the best move, and build the NEW arena in the SODO stadium area. Once this happens, Seattle will have to settle for the NHL - IF they'd approve a team in such a hostile yet wealthy market. ... Seattle is a two edged sword - wealthy yet full of spoiled, out-of-touch-with-the-rest-of-the-nation/world brats who think people owe them JUST because of their good luck.

In case you can't tell, I will be moving soon, probably to Chicago (or Houston). So will the Sonics - definitely to Oklahoma City.